The role of non-family executives in family businesses is under-researched in
comparison with its importance. Reviewing the existing literature serves as a startingpoint
for promoting future research. Based on a literature analysis, we develop a
model for the interaction process between a family owner and a non-family executive.
The main contributions for the non-family executive in family business literature are
presented and structured following this interaction process. Finally, potential and
unanswered questions help determine directions of future research.